The Academy Joins the FCHHC for an Educational Briefing and Tour of the NIH/NIDCD Clinical Center

The Academy Joins the FCHHC for an Educational Briefing and Tour of the NIH/NIDCD Clinical Center

On August 21, 2013, the American Academy of Audiology, as a member of the Friends of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus (FCHHC), co-hosted a lunchtime briefing and tour of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD) labs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center.

The NIDCD conducts and supports research on hearing loss and other communication disorders, and this briefing event aimed to inform Congressional staff and other stakeholders on the latest research and treatment. Attendees heard presentations from a number of experts including Dr. James Battey, director of the NIDCD, and Dr. Carter Van Waes, clinical director for the NIHs Clinical Research Center. They detailed the mission of the NIH and NIDCD, the future of hearing and balance research, and the many discoveries and accomplishments of the NIDCD's clinical research program. Following these introductory presentations, attendees toured the audiology clinic where audiologists Dr. Carmen Brewer and Dr. Kelly King discussed hearing research with the group. In the vestibular lab, audiologist Mr. Christopher Zalewski provided a detailed discussion and demonstration of the latest developments in balance research.

The day's activities concluded with an overview of the NIDCD's aphasia research provided by Dr. Allen Braun, chief, Language Section of NIDCD, as well as an opportunity to hear directly from patients who have benefited from the ongoing research and clinical trials of the NIDCD. Overall, the day's program showcased the cutting-edge research being conducted at the NIDCD and how this translates to improving treatment for human communication disorders.

The Academy continues to work with the FCHHC on planning future educational events for members of Congress, their staff, and other key policymakers and stakeholders.